Disclaimer: I do not own FullMetal Alchemist, nor do I own any of the quotes.
A/N: This chapter is after Winry writes her journal. I may return to that original plot at a later date, but not right now.
Quote: "Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone"
By: G.B Stern
Winry Rockbell could have killed her childhood friend where he lay.
Edward Elric had come to her three days before, automail arm shattered like cheap glass and leg much too short. Now, he lay on the couch as Winry glared at him. Only the light from the candle she'd set on the nightstand lit up his face. Not once in all the years she'd helped him out had he said thank you, of given any other compliment. No, he was always trying to find that Philosopher's Stone and solve everybody's problems, except hers. When asked about, he'd say it was only for him and his brother, but Winry knew inside the FullMetal Alchemist the heart of a teddy bear.
But their journey wasn't the issue right now. She'd spent three days and two night making his new automail arm and adjusting his leg. First, she'd revised the design, then revised it agina when she realized he'd actually grown. Then, she'd been right in the middle of making it when she'd run out of screws. Winry had then run into town in the rain to fetch more, then come back and continued working. Even after all the labor she'd put into it, Edward had not given her any sign of gratitude. But really, you'd think she'd be used to it by now…
"Winry, you should really go to bed. Brother will be fine." Al, once again in shambles, lay in a box where he awaited his brother's attention. Winry tried to hid her look of sympathy. She knew all too well how devoted Ed and Al were to each other and that, as soon as he awoke, Ed would repair his brother.
"But what if something happens?" There would be little Al could do, except call for help.
"It's alright, you need your sleep."
"Nah, that's okay."
"I guess so," Al finally conceded. "Night." The armor was unable to sleep as humans did, but he bowed his head, allowing his soul to rest.
Winry leaned back into a chair, sighing. Did Ed really care at all? She used to think they were family, but had she become just her mechanic?
When she awoke in the morning, the blonde immediately looked at the couch. Edward was gone. Looking at the crate in the corner, she realized his brother had left too. She stood and peeked outside, smiling at what she saw. The brothers were sparring as they always did. Winry sat down on the porch steps, watching them.
Repeatedly, Ed rushed his younger sibling, only to be deflected. Soon enough, Al grabbed Edward by the foot and threw him. Whether this was an accident or not may never be certain, but Ed flew through the air, only to land in the alp of an unsuspecting Winry Rockbell. The two looked at each other for a moment, the separated, hiding blushes.
It was that afternoon, however, that Winry would never forget. Rain poured down again, reflecting her mood as she sat by the river. The Elrics would be catching a train to Central tonight, and Winry could do nothing but let them go. She felt utterly helpless, trapped in a hole while the world revolved above, always out of grasp.
"Hey, Winry," the voice made her turn her head. Gazing up, her azure eyes met his golden ones. His gaze was not angry, but soft.
"Edward?" She questioned his motives for being her with a raised eyebrow.
"I just wanted to say, thanks. I know you worked hard, and Al told me I haven't exactly been very grateful. Really though, I am." The words were awkward, but sincere enough to warm the girl's heart.
"Thanks Ed. You don't know how much that means."
Somehow, when the brothers departed that evening. Winry did not feel quite so gloomy. Her face was bright in the light of the full moon beaming down. Even as she waved, she knew it would not be the last time they saw each other. No longer did she doubt her worth. Two simple words had been all it had taken to assure her for life.